Apricot tree named ‘Goldenmay’

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of apricot tree,  Prunus armeniaca,  broadly characterized by a large size, vigorous, hardy, early blooming, self-fertile, productive and regular bearing tree. The fruit matures under the ecological conditions described in late May, with first picking on May 18, 2007. The fruit is uniformly large in size, mildly acidic and sweet in flavor, globose in shape, freestone in type, firm and meaty in texture, orange in flesh color, and orange skin color.

Botanical classification: Prunus armeniaca.

Variety denomination: ‘GOLDENMAY’.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

In a continuing effort to improve the quality of shipping fruits, I, theinventor, typically hybridize a large number of apricot, nectarine,plum, apricot, and cherry seedlings each year. I also grow a lessernumber of open pollinated seeds of each of these fruits, usually tocapture recessive traits. The present invention relates to a new anddistinct variety of apricot tree, which has been denominated varietallyas ‘Goldenmay’.

The present variety was hybridized by me in 2000 as a first generationcross using ‘Goldenblush’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 15,354) apricot as theselected seed parent and ‘16P245’ (unpatented) apricot as the selectedpollen parent. The fruit of this cross was gathered that spring, and theseeds were removed, cracked, stratified, germinated, and grown asseedlings on their own root in my greenhouse. Upon reaching dormancy theseedlings were transplanted as a group to a cultivated area of myexperimental orchard located near Le Grand, Calif., in Merced County(San Joaquin Valley). During the fruit evaluation season of 2004 Iselected the present variety as a single tree from the group ofseedlings described above. Subsequent to origination of the presentvariety of nectarine tree, I asexually reproduced it by budding andgrafting in the experimental orchard described above, and suchreproduction of plant and fruit characteristics were true to theoriginal plant in all respects. The reproduction of the variety includedthe use of ‘Nemaguard’ (unpatented) rootstock upon which the presentvariety was true to type.

The present variety is similar to its seed parent, ‘Goldenblush’ (U.S.Plant Pat. No. 15,354) apricot by blooming in the early season and byproducing apricots that are freestone in type, orange in skin and fleshcolor, and mature in late May, but is distinguished therefrom by beingself-fruitful, more productive, and by producing fruit that is larger insize, that is not as sweet in flavor, that has a much less pronouncedsuture, and that does not have red blush on the skin.

The present variety is similar to its pollen parent, ‘16P245,’ byproducing fruit that ripens in the early season and that is good inflavor, but is distinguished therefrom by being self-fruitful, by beingmore productive, and by producing fruit that is firmer in texture.

The present variety is similar to ‘Castlebrite’ (unpatented) apricot bybeing self-fruitful and producing fruit that matures in the earlyseason, but is distinguished therefrom by requiring much less chillingand by producing fruit that is larger in size and much lower in acidity.

SUMMARY OF VARIETY

In summary, the present variety is characterized by a large size,vigorous, hardy, early blooming, self-fertile, productive and regularbearing tree. The fruit matures under the ecological conditionsdescribed in late May, with first picking on May 18, 2007. The fruit isuniformly large in size, mildly acidic and sweet in flavor, globose inshape, freestone in type, firm and meaty in texture, orange in fleshcolor, and orange skin color.

DRAWING

The accompanying photograph consists of four whole fruits positioned todisplay the characteristics of the skin color and form, one fruitdivided to reveal the flesh and stone, typical leaves, a tip shoot, andthree insets showing buds and blossoms.

POMOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Referring now more specifically to the pomological characteristics ofthis new and distinct variety of apricot tree, the following has beenobserved under the ecological conditions prevailing near Le Grand,Merced County (San Joaquin Valley), Calif., and was developed at thestate of firm ripe on May 28, 2007, on the original tree during itsseventh growing season. The blossom and flower descriptions were madethe previous blooming season. All major color code designations are byreference to the Inter-Society Color Council, National Bureau ofStandards. Common color names are also used occasionally.

Parentage

-   Seed Parent: ‘Goldenblush’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 15,354) apricot.-   Pollen Color.— Yellow.-   Pollen Parent: ‘16P245’ (unpatented) apricot.

Tree

-   Size: Large, reaching and maintaining a height of 12′ [3.66 m.] and    a spread of 9′ [2.74 m.] after seven growing seasons utilizing    typical dormant pruning.-   Vigor: Vigorous, responding typically to irrigation and    fertilization. The variety grows about 3′ [0.91 m.] of surplus    top-growth during the spring and summer. The plant should be grown    on a standard commercial rootstock for production purposes.-   Growth: Spreading and dense.-   Form: Vase type.-   Hardiness: Hardy with respect to central California winters.-   Heat Tolerance: Observed to perform adequately in typical central    California climatic conditions, which typically include extended    periods of heat.-   Drought Tolerance: Variety is developed for commercial orchards and    requires regular irrigation.-   Production: Very productive, thinning necessary.-   Fertility: Self-fertile.-   Bearing: Regular bearer with no alternate bearing yet observed.-   Trunk:    -   -   Size.—Medium, reaching a maximum diameter of 4¼″ [108 mm.]            after the seventh growing season.        -   Texture.—Shaggy.        -   Bark color.—A Grayish brown [61. gy.Br] and Light grayish            brown [60. l.gy.Br] variegation with Light yellowish brown            [76. l.yBr] crevices present.        -   Lenticels.—Approximate Number Per Square Inch: 7. Color:            Light yellowish brown [76. l.yBr]. Average Size: 3/16″ [4.8            mm.]. Shape: Eye-shaped, elongated.-   Branches:    -   -   Size.—Diameter of limb is 2¼″ [57 mm.] measured 12″ above            the crotch, 1¼″ [32 mm.] measured 12″ above the first fork.        -   Texture.—Smooth on first and second year wood, increasing            roughness with age.        -   Color.—1st Year Wood Topside: Strong yellow green [117.            s.YG]. 1st Year Wood Underside: Brownish orange [54. brO].            Older Wood: Deep yellowish brown [75. deep yBr].        -   Lenticels.—Number Per Square Inch: More than 30 on second            year wood. Color: Light orange yellow [70. l.OY]. Average            size: 1/32″ [0.8 mm.] on second year wood. Shape:            Rectangular, elongated.-   Leaves:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average Length: 2¾″ [69.9 mm.]. Average Width:            2⅜″ [60.3 mm.].        -   Arrangement.—Alternate.        -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Form.—Oval to orbicular.        -   Apex.—Abruptly acuminate.        -   Base.—Rounded.        -   Surface.—Smooth.        -   Color.—Dorsal Surface: Moderate olive green [125. m.OlG].            Ventral Surface: Moderate yellow green [120. m.YG].        -   Margin.—Finely serrate.        -   Venation.—Pinnately net veined.        -   Vein color.—Light yellow green [119. l.YG].        -   Petiole.—Average Length: 1 1/16″ [27 mm.]. Average            Thickness: 1/16″ [1.6 mm.]. Color: Strong reddish brown [40.            s.rBr] topside, Light yellow green [119. l.YG] underneath.        -   Stipules.—Number: Usually 2 per leaf, up to 6 per growing            tip. Average Length: ¼″ [6.4 mm.]. Color: Very yellow green            [115. v.YG] becoming Deep reddish brown [41. deep rBr] with            maturity.        -   Glands.—Number: 2 to 3 per leaf. Position: Alternately            positioned on petiole and base of blade. Size: Small. Form:            Globose. Color: Strong reddish brown [40. s.rBr] becoming            Dark reddish brown [44. d.rBr] with age.        -   Leaf buds.—Pointed, medium in size.-   Flower Buds:    -   -   Hardiness.—Half-hardy, with respect to central California            winters.        -   Diameter.—Typically 5/16″ [7.9 mm.] 5 days before bloom.        -   Length.—Typically ⅜″ [9.5 mm.] 5 days before bloom.        -   Form.—Not appressed.        -   Surface.—Pubescent.        -   Color.—Pale purplish pink [252. p.pPk].-   Flowers: Perfect, complete, perigynous, usually a single pistil,    typically twenty-four or more stamens, five sepals and petal    locations alternately positioned.    -   -   Average flower diameter.1—⅜″ [34.9 mm.].        -   Number of petals.—Usually five.        -   Petal shape.—Circular to elliptical.        -   Petal margin.—Entire, fairly smooth.        -   Average petal diameter.— 9/16″ [14.3 mm.].        -   Average petal length.— 9/16″ [14.3 mm.].        -   Petal apex.—Rounded.        -   Petal base.—Rounded.        -   Petal color.—Pinkish white [9. pkWhite] on both sides.        -   Anther color.—Brilliant yellow [83. brill.Y].        -   Stigma color.—Light greenish yellow [101. l.gY].        -   Sepal color.—Deep purplish red [256. deep pR] on the outer            surface.        -   Sepal length.— 9/32″ [7.1 mm.].        -   Sepal width.— 3/16″ [4.8 mm.].        -   Sepal apex.—Acute to acuminate.        -   Sepal margin.—Smooth.        -   Average pistil length.—½″ [12.7 mm.].        -   Average stamen length.— 7/16″ [11.1 mm.].        -   Fragrance.—Moderate.        -   Pollen Production.—Abundant.        -   Blooming period.—Early compared to other apricots, with            ‘Goldenblush’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 15,354).        -   Onset of bloom.—One percent on Feb. 20, 2007.        -   Date of full bloom.—Feb. 27, 2007.        -   Duration of bloom.—One to two weeks, dependent on ambient            temperature.        -   Average number per cluster.—Three.

FRUIT

-   Maturity when described: Firm ripe, May 28, 2007.-   Date of first picking: May 21, 2007.-   Date of last picking: May 30, 2007.-   Size: Uniform, Large.    -   -   Average diameter axially.—2¼ [57.2 mm.].        -   Average diameter across suture plane.—2⅝″ [66.7 mm.].        -   Typical weight.—4.3 ounces [122 grams].-   Form: Uniform, globose, symmetrical.    -   -   Longitudinal section form.—Round to elliptical.        -   Transverse section through diameter.—Round.-   Suture: Extends from the base, along the side, to just beyond the    pistil point.    -   -   Near the base.—A very shallow groove.        -   Along the side.—An indistinct line.        -   Near the apex.—A shallow trough with a minor depression just            past the pistil point.-   Ventral surface: Rounded, lipped toward the apex.-   Lips: Equal.-   Cavity: Flaring, circular, suture showing on one side.    -   -   Depth.—⅜″ [9.5 mm.].        -   Breadth.— 15/16″ [23.8 mm.].-   Base: Rounded to truncate.-   Apex: Rounded.-   Pistil point: Apical, negligible in length, recessed within the    suture.-   Stem: Medium.    -   -   Average length.— 5/16″[7.9 mm.].        -   Average width.— 1/16″[1.6 mm.].-   Skin:    -   -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface.—Smooth.        -   Tenacity.—Tenacious to flesh.        -   Astringency.—Slightly astringent.        -   Tendency to crack.—None observed in dry season.        -   Color.—Moderate reddish orange [37. m.rO] smoothly blending            into a Strong orange [50. s.O] background.-   Flesh:    -   -   Color.—Strong orange yellow [68. s.OY] becoming Very orange            [48. v.O] with increasing maturity.        -   Surface of pit cavity.—Covered with Light orange yellow [70.            l.OY] fibers.        -   Amygdalin.—Moderate.        -   Juice.—Moderate, rich.        -   Texture.—Firm, meaty, melting.        -   Fibers.—Few, fine, tender.        -   Ripens.—Even.        -   Flavor.—A mild balance of acid and sugar, typically 15 brix.        -   Aroma.—Moderate.        -   Eating quality.—Good.

STONE

-   Type: Freestone.-   Form: Oval.-   Hilum: Narrow, oblong.-   Base: Rounded, cupped at the hilum.-   Apex: Obtuse with a 1/16″ [1.6 mm.] tip having an average angle of    70 degrees.-   Sides: Equal.-   Surface: Rough throughout.-   External color of stone: Dark yellowish brown [78. d.yBr].-   Pit wall color when cracked: Deep yellowish brown [75. deep yBr].-   Cavity surface color: A Pale orange yellow [73. p.OY] and Light    yellowish brown [76. l.yBr] variegation.-   Average pit wall thickness: 1/16″ [1.6 mm.].-   Average width: 1″ [25.4 mm.].-   Average length: 1 3/16″ [30.2 mm.].-   Average breadth: ½″ [12.7 mm.].-   Tendency to split: Very slight.-   Kernel:    -   -   Form.—Oval.        -   Skin color.—Light orange yellow [70. l.OY] when first            remove.        -   Pellicle color.—Moderate orange yellow [71. m.OY].        -   Taste.—Bitter.        -   Viable.—Yes.        -   Average width.—⅝″ [15.9 mm.].        -   Average length.⅞″ [22.2 mm.].        -   Amygdalin.—Abundant.

Use

-   Market: Fresh market and long distance shipping.-   Keeping quality: Good, fruit quality observed to remain in good    condition after 14 days in standard cold room at 36° Fahrenheit [2°    Celsius].-   Shipping quality: Good.-   Resistance to insects: No unusual susceptibilities noted.-   Resistance to diseases: No unusual susceptibilities noted.

Other Notes

Although the new variety of apricot tree possesses the describedcharacteristics under the ecological conditions at Le Grand, Calif., inthe central part of the San Joaquin Valley, it is to be expected thatvariations in these characteristics may occur when farmed in areas withdifferent climatic conditions, different soil types, and/or varyingcultural practices.

1. A new and distinct variety of apricot tree, substantially asillustrated and described, that is similar to its seed parent,‘Goldenblush’ U.S. Plant Pat. No. 15,354) apricot, by blooming in theearly season and by producing apricots that are freestone in type,orange in flesh and skin color, and mature in late May, but isdistinguished therefrom by being self-fruitful, more productive, and byproducing fruit that is larger in size, that is not as sweet in flavor,that has a much less pronounced suture, and that does not have red blushon the skin.